I just recently sold my atv and have a little extra cash to buy a softer set of bindings. I currently have Capo's and have had Ride bindings for years. I've ridden others periodically when swapping friends boards and what not but nothing really sustained. I was thinking about branching out and try something else for a season. These will be on a Academy Propaganda, and maybe my Kink some and used with Ride triad boots.

I like the style of these 3 best and want to choose between these. Canting is important to me and I have seen DIY canting for union bindings since they have yet to put this tech in themselves. People say it works well from what I've read. Cushioning and a comfy ankle strap are also important because my feet cramp and hurt easy.

I know the problems with each rides ratchets, unions toe strap, don't hear many complaints about burton. Just looking and curious if I should try something else or stick with ride.

The Malavitas are very solid bindings and pretty lightweight. What I didn't like about them was the reflex disc which is very small and doesn't hold the whole baseplate on your board. if you lift up the heel part of the bindings when they are mounted, they will lift half an inch. Also they aren't very customizable.

If you don't mind your bindings being medium weight rather than feather, check out the Forum Shaka. Very similar to the Malavita but with a more solid disc and a movable heel cup so your foot will always be centered (which was never the case with my Malavitas). They have canting and the straps and ratchets are great. Also, they didn't change anything for 2013 so you can easily go with the 2012 model.

Malavita's realy aren't that much softer, neither are Rodeos, and I felt like my Contacts were too soft for the Kink I had.

I'd more look at Raiden Zero's, Flux DS30, Flow 5's, or K2 Nationals.

If you want to go Burton, I swear Cartels are softer than Malavita's this year. I will be getting on them as soon as possible to verify, but the base is supposed to be the same glass content and the highback is noticeably softer.

Malavita's realy aren't that much softer, neither are Rodeos, and I felt like my Contacts were too soft for the Kink I had.

I'd more look at Raiden Zero's, Flux DS30, Flow 5's, or K2 Nationals.

If you want to go Burton, I swear Cartels are softer than Malavita's this year. I will be getting on them as soon as possible to verify, but the base is supposed to be the same glass content and the highback is noticeably softer.

The contact pro is really that much softer? The contact is unions softest binding i believe, but I was thinking the pro was a little more beefed up version. From what I read and review sites have the pro categorized with the rodeo and malavita. And the cartel, capo, and atlas in a category for similar bindings. Hmmm

I know it shouldn't be important but binding looks do come into play for me and I find the construction style of these three brands really catch my eye. I really do like flow and the concept. My friend has an older set and they really are super convenient especially around here. I was thinking I'd need more of the nx2 tech for my feet and I like cranking my straps down snug. I see they did add ratchets for 2013 but they don't have a canted footbed or the hing for the opening in the strap.

The contact pro is really that much softer? The contact is unions softest binding i believe, but I was thinking the pro was a little more beefed up version. From what I read and review sites have the pro categorized with the rodeo and malavita. And the cartel, capo, and atlas in a category for similar bindings. Hmmm

I know it shouldn't be important but binding looks do come into play for me and I find the construction style of these three brands really catch my eye. I really do like flow and the concept. My friend has an older set and they really are super convenient especially around here. I was thinking I'd need more of the nx2 tech for my feet and I like cranking my straps down snug. I see they did add ratchets for 2013 but they don't have a canted footbed or the hing for the opening in the strap.

Well the Contact Pro is stiffer than the Contact, but not a ton. And the thing about the after market canting I've seen on Unions doesn't usually give any kind of canting to the heel area. Just under the toe/footpad. Which to be honest could be worse than no canting at all. And I'd more line the Contact Pro up with Zero's, DS30's and whatnot.

In the past that is exactly where the Cartels would fit, but this years highback is noticeably softer so I'm thinkin it's going to ride more parky than in years past.